Five unsung heroes of Chelsea’s WSL title success

Chelsea won their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title on Wednesday, continuing their dominance over English women’s football.

In Sonia Bompastor’s first year in charge, Chelsea showed they still excel in a league above the rest with the help of some of the best players in the world.

Who has gone under the radar in yet another memorable WSL campaign despite the superstar players’ dominance in their title victory?

Summer signing Baltimore, Sandy arrived in London from Paris St-Germain with bags of experience in the French league and in Europe.

Few could have predicted the 25-year-old’s impressive debut season at Chelsea.

Bompastor, who played as a left-winger for PSG, raised questions when she played Baltimore.

Baltimore, who made 14 starts in her final four games in the WSL, and scored four goals in those four starts, was unfazed by that.

In January, she told BBC Sport, “I have more responsibility defensively. I’m happy to play anywhere because I enjoy football.

I have a reputation for attacking. I enjoy making runs and dribbling in the direction of their goal. But because it’s football, I’m having fun.

England left-back Niamh Charles was kept out of the team thanks to Baltimore’s impressive form and consistency.

She can defend well and also contribute to the team’s expansion of opportunities in the box. It’s really nice to have someone like her, Bompastor said.

She’s really performing and assisting the team, even though I know there are other players competing for that left-back position.

Nathalie Bjorn must have known that her position in the team was in danger, but that only seemed to be motivated by that.

With only Manchester United conceding fewer goals overall than Millie Bright, Bjorn has provided stability to Chelsea’s defense.

When asked if she had undergone any changes this season, Bright responded, “Yes, definitely. She has made a huge difference in our changing room and has been incredibly supportive.

She maintains unity throughout, and occasionally that is overlooked. She is so simple to play alongside and has a fantastic season.

Wieke Kaptein, who left FC Twente in 2023 and spent the rest of the season on loan, is one of Chelsea’s brightest youngsters.

The 19-year-old has excelled under Bompastor, who frequently praised her off-the-ball performance and game comprehension.

She has been trusted throughout significant matches and given responsibility in crucial games against Barcelona, Manchester City, and Manchester United.

Bompastor stated in an October interview that he is “so happy to have her in my squad.” Both as a player and as a person, she is very energetic.

She always wants to hear from the coaches and staff. She is speaking to us.

A consistent number one has been one of the biggest changes to the Chelsea side under Bompastor.

Hannah Hampton, the team’s goalkeeper, excelled in their title-winning encounter with Manchester United, earning the Player of the Match award when it matters.

Hampton’s distribution has proven to be crucial in that regard because Bompastor has encouraged her side to play from the back and take a less direct approach.

With the ball at her feet, Hampton is probably the best keeper. She technically begins much of Chelsea’s attacking play, according to Natasha Dowie, a former England international.

Jen Beattie, an ex-Scotland defender, continued: “She’s been incredible. Chelsea has a long history of victories, but this is Hannah Hampton’s first successful season.

Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert, who is a constant fixture in Chelsea’s success, is a key member of the squad even though she isn’t always in the spotlight.

The 26-year-old has made almost 150 appearances for Chelsea and has participated in all six of the club’s successive title victories.

She frequently appears in the big games, scoring in their Women’s FA Cup victory over Liverpool and providing the stoppage-time winner that gave Manchester City the 2-1 lead in March.

She was soaking up her success after Wednesday’s most recent title win, and her leadership and experience have been present once more this year.

What distinguishes her from others?

She mentality is it. I remember seeing Cuthbert crying on the pitch last season when they lost to Liverpool, and they believed they had won the league title.